Attorney General gives opinion on medical marijuana amendment

SARASOTA, FL-- Attorney General Pam Bondi filed a brief with the Florida Supreme Court regarding the proposal for a medical marijuana amendment. And it doesn't just disagree with the proposal its also claims the amendment deceives Florida voters.

The 32 page document begins with a summer that says "The proposal at issue does not give voters the full disclosure they deserve and the Constitution demands." It then goes on to say, "The proposal hides the fact that the Amendment would make Florida one of the most lenient medical-marijuana states, allowing use for limitless "other conditions" specified by any physician. With no condition off limits"

According to the brief that would mean physicians could authorize marijuana for anything, any time, to anyone, of any age. But, while the Attorney General disagrees with the vagueness of the proposed amendment many residents support it.

"I had migraines for three years, and marijuana was one of the only things that actually cured it. That actually gave me pain relief and I couldn't go to my pain doctor because its not legal here in Florida and tell them that, so I was stuck taking addictive pain pills and it was horrible" said Sarasota resident, Heather Williams. Because of her experience, Williams says supports making marijuana legal for medical use. And, she's not alone.

"I think its very important that our senior citizens or anybody who's dealing with a medical issue has access to this type of medication. And, I do view it as a medication," said Michelle Green.

But there are nay-sayers who believe approving marijuana for medical use will just open the door for more recreational use of the drug.

"Im against it because I don't want somebody high that I have to deal with on a professional level and I think legalizing it will enable people to have an excuse to be high in those circumstances," said Sarasota resident Gary Bland.

The Attorney General's brief was submitted to the Florida Supreme Court because the court is currently in the process of reviewing the ballot language voters could see during the 2014 election.

Before any vote happens, supporters of the amendment must collect 700-thousand petitions by February. They have about one-third that number so far.